Dr Jamilah Motala
Specialisation
Allied - Clinical Psychologist
Experience
I have been working in the mental health sector for approximately 20 years. During this time period I have had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of cultures, diversities and identities of varying background, needs and intricacies. I feel immensely privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of holding a safe space for someone during their moments of vulnerability.
I was born, raised and educated in the UK. I have been living in the UAE since the beginning of 2017. This has shaped me personally and professionally.
I truly believe that each individual brings a uniqueness that is deserving of a therapeutic approach which reflects the essence and energy of who they are whilst being open to the idea of challenging this with the aim of alleviating pain and building strength.
It is for this reason that my style of working is dedicated to offering an integrative framework in order to facilitate patients through a compassionate, safe and empowering journey.
In my experience, this is also likely to increase successful treatment outcomes thus further enriching the therapeutic process.
I have been qualified as a Clinical Psychologist since I obtained my Doctorate in 2006.
I have extensive experience of working with adults aged 18 years upwards presenting with difficulties of varying complexity, severity & risk; this extends to supporting carers
and families where required.
Currently, I am a Clinical Psychologist in Dubai at The Psychiatry and Therapy Centre.
Prior to this I was employed as a Clinical Psychologist at an outpatient clinic facility in Dubai.
In the UK, I worked across both outpatient and inpatient mental health services within the National Health Service (NHS) and the independent sector; this included the forensic sector.
Prior to the UAE, I held a full-time post as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist across two psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs). I played an integral role in the setting up of both services. I did this alongside overseeing the provision of psychological therapies and supporting staff through providing clinical supervision, facilitating training and management.
Outside of work, I enjoy taking care of my health through nice food and regular exercise. I am also a lifelong fan of Arsenal Football Club, admittedly an experience which is not always healthy, joyful or therapeutic, but nonetheless a very captivating one!
Areas of Expertise
- Stress
- Anxiety disorders (including panic)
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Trauma & PTSD
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar
- Low self-esteem
- Coping with symptoms of ADHD
- Addictive behaviours
- Psychotic disorders
- Relationship difficulties
- Adjustment & existential challenges
- Physical health illnesses & disease
- Clinical supervision
- Skills-training workshops and seminars
- Service planning and development
- Incident debriefings
Treatment Techniques
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – this includes Trauma-Focused CBT
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Brainspotting (Phases 1 & 2 practitioner level)
- Mindfulness techniques
Qualififcation
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD), University of Birmingham, UK
- BSc (Hons.) Psychology with Industrial Experience, University of Plymouth, UK
Licenses & Professional Memberships
- Registered with Dubai Health Authority, UAE
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, UK
- Member of the British Psychological Society, UK
- Member of the BPS Division of Clinical Psychology, UK
Publications & Articles
- Burnout in the workplace: Why mental health can’t be ignored anymore (Economy Middle East, 24 July 2025)
- How to develop compassion for yourself (Friday Magazine, 28 June 2019)
- Are your intercultural relationships boosting your creativity? (Gulf News, 1 November 2018)
- Is stress killing you? (Dubai Fashion News, July 2017)
- Oyebode J. R., Motala J. R., Hardy R. M., Oliver C. (2009) Coping with challenges to memory in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: Observation of behaviour in response to analogues of everyday situations. Aging & Mental Health, 13: 46–53.
- Long. C.G., Webster P., Waine, J., Motala J & Hollin C.R. (2008) Usefulness of the CANFOR-S for measuring needs among mentally disordered offenders resident in medium to low secure hospital services in the UK; a pilot evaluation. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health. 18, 39-48.